Things to do in Astoria

Activities, attractions and tours

Astoria which includes landscape views
Astoria which includes landscape views
Astoria showing street scenes and signage
Fort Stevens State Park featuring general coastal views, a sunset and building ruins
Fort Stevens State Park showing general coastal views, a beach and a sunset
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Top places to visit

1. Columbia River Maritime Museum

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a fascinating look at life, work and nature on and in this mighty river that runs west across Oregon ending just beyond Astoria. View the many photos, artifacts and even a floating ship that bring maritime history alive.
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Columbia River Maritime Museum

2. Astoria Column

Built in 1926, the tall Astoria Column is a major landmark rising over the city of Astoria. Learn about this impressive structure’s history. Discussion of building something on top of Coxcomb Hill began in 1898. Members of the Astoria community were inspired by the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris a decade earlier. After the city’s centennial in 1911, specific plans began to take shape for the tower, including a histogram depicting area events.
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Hank you to my fellow Trover's for posting this site; I may not have known about it otherwise! This hilltop tower affords visitors an astounding view from its top (a 125 foot comb up a spiral staircase) and an historical overview of the discovery and settlement of the Columbia River area. Well worth the climb and $5 parking fee!

3. Liberty Theater

Visit downtown Astoria’s Liberty Theatre to attend exciting performances and appreciate the beauty of a nearly 100-year-old structure. After a dreadful 1922 fire destroyed much of the growing town of Astoria, citizens regrouped and rebuilt. The theater opened in 1925, presenting silent films, vaudeville acts and big bands, such as Duke Ellington.
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Liberty Theater

4. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to get a sense of the wilderness that Native Americans, traders, explorers, pioneers and military personnel experienced in the early days of exploration and settlement of the region along the mouth of the Columbia River.
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Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

5. Oregon Film Museum

The Oregon Film Museum in Astoria documents more than 100 years of film making in this northwestern state, many miles from Hollywood’s glitz and glamor. Learn why the region is so versatile for simulating settings in many different environments. View posters, props, script pages and quotes from some of the movies that have been filmed in the state, starting with The Fisherman’s Bride in 1908.
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Oregon Film Museum featuring interior views

6. Flavel House Museum

Tour the Flavel House Museum, which was originally the home of Captain George Flavel. Starting as a hard-working river pilot, Flavel invested his earnings in Astoria real estate and grew quite wealthy. Upon retirement he had this elegant Queen Anne-style home built for himself and his wife Mary Christina Boelling and their two daughters.
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Flavel House Museum

7. Hanthorn Cannery Museum

If you’ve ever wondered how the tuna got into the can in your cupboard, a visit to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum in Astoria will answer all your questions. Learn about this region’s long role as a major supplier of processed seafood between 1875 and 1981.
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Hanthorn Cannery Museum

8. Heritage Museum

Astoria’s rich history along the Columbia River is revealed in the Heritage Museum, managed by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Learn about trading, logging, fishing and other activities in the county. Astoria’s former city hall was built in 1904. This pale yellow two-story building now houses the Heritage Museum. Admire its elegant façade before stepping inside.
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Heritage Museum

What to do in Astoria

Popular places to visit

Astoria Riverfront Trolley which includes a bridge

Astoria Riverfront Trolley

Enjoy an outing to Astoria Riverfront Trolley during your stay in Astoria. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the cycling trails.

Astoria Riverfront Trolley
Columbia River Maritime Museum

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Stories of the Columbia River are revealed in this waterfront museum. Learn how men have battled bad weather and used the water for their livelihood.

Columbia River Maritime Museum
Astoria Column which includes a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek

Astoria Column

Serving as a unique outdoor depiction of the area’s history, this tall tower has drawn visitors for nearly 100 years.

Astoria Column
Liberty Theater

Liberty Theater

Music of all genres, dance, poetry readings, films and a wide variety of entertainment offerings are available at this historic theater.

Liberty Theater
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

3/5(1 review)

Rainforests, rugged coastlines, wildlife and nature walks add to the historical value of this national park setting in northern Oregon.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Oregon Film Museum which includes interior views

Oregon Film Museum

Given the region’s nickname as the “Hollywood of the North,” this museum is a fitting site celebrating the area’s contributions to film making.

Oregon Film Museum
Flavel House Museum

Flavel House Museum

A wealthy river pilot built this home in the 1800s. Today it stands as an excellent example of Victorian period architecture of affluent citizens.

Flavel House Museum
Hanthorn Cannery Museum

Hanthorn Cannery Museum

Former workers and managers of a fish processing plant established this museum to honor those who operated the plant for more than 100 years.

Hanthorn Cannery Museum
Heritage Museum

Heritage Museum

Astoria’s former city hall is now a museum filled with artifacts and exhibits showing the fascinating past of this Oregon region.

Heritage Museum

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Astoria worth visiting?
Known for its distilleries and craft breweries and nature, finding fun things to do in Astoria is easy. Be sure to add Sunset Beach State Recreation Site to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Astoria?
Astoria Riverfront Trolley and Peter Iredale Shipwreck are two awesome places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Astoria while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Astoria?
The top tourist attraction in Astoria is Sunset Beach State Recreation Site, so don't forget to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Astoria?
Three days in Astoria is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Liberty Theatre, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Fort Clatsop National Memorial are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Seaside.
What are some activities to do in Astoria with kids?
Deciding what to do in Astoria with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Astoria for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Astoria for adults including Lewis & Clark National Historical Park and Maritime Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Astoria?
In Astoria, Fort Clatsop National Memorial is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Astoria.

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